Overcrowded housing of the most northern communities contributes to the maintenance and rise of social problems

The purpose of the project No Child Should Take the Long Way Home in its final objective is to empower mothers in Nunavik communities in Quebec, Canada to become safer, to be aware of their legal rights, and families to understand the risk factors leading to the removal of their children. Safety standards for women and for children must be designed in services offered to the population of isolated communities.

Overcrowded housing in northern communities contributes to the maintenance and rise of social problems and largely affects safety issues in Nunavik and Nunavut's women and children.

Differences and similarities between First Nations and Inuit of Canada.

A few weeks ago, I was asked about the differences and similarities between First Nations and Inuit of Canada.

Faced with a daunting list of seemingly unrelated similarities and differences between First Nations and Inuit people, one may feel confused about them.

So, I propose to look at some of the main differences while exposing some of their similarities.

The effects of settlement on the living conditions of Indigenous and Inuit people

The patience of the Inuit could pass for passivity but behind their serene equanimity hides a resilient people, of a curious and enterprising nature. They are patient and not passive. Arctic populations are somewhat in the image of their environment. Behind their nonchalant affability, they are exotic, adventurous, formidable survivors with an unusual inner strength in an adverse environment.

Housing in Nunavik affects all aspects of an individual's life

While "overcrowding" is both a cause and an effect, it is still possible to delineate the main causes of overcrowding in Nunavik. This has a ripple effect on all the members of the household, including the children: stress, incest, the inability of children to study because there is no privacy, beating of wives and children, quarreling and yelling.

First Nations and Inuit children are made more vulnerable by the impact of many placements

The welfare of children is a responsibility shared by the entire society, but because of their vulnerability and dependence, some children suffer from poverty, abuse, injustice and inequality of access to protection.

Are all Canadian Citizens Equal in Value and Dignity?

A simple walk through the streets in any northern community plunges us headfirst into the local culture. In summer, carvers work outdoors feet legged, tools and stones before them, and in winter, we meet women wearing the traditional coat - amauti - their baby nestled in the huge cap.

No Child Should Take the Long Way Home is a grassroot initiative to help children in need of loving care, of a protective and stable environment to meet their basic needs for protection, shelter, and education and to reinforce family unity.